GROUNDED
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Image: Aunty Thelma, Karenza Ebejer 2024.
GROUNDED is a multi-sensory exploration of the rich relationship between Bundjalung people and the native bush plants of the Northern Rivers. Featuring the works of Mitch King, a Widjabul-Wiabul/Yaegl sound and performance artist, and Karenza Ebejer, a socially engaged artist and filmmaker, the exhibition delves into themes of ecological renewal, cultural knowledge, and community resilience.
This exhibition celebrates the wisdom of Bundjalung Elders and their ongoing care for Country. King’s sound installation captures recordings of native plant species involved the regeneration of the Big Scrub, inviting audiences to experience the land as a living, breathing entity. Ebejer’s work reflects on the interconnection of all life forms, inspired by the complex web of relationships that sustain Bundjalung Country.
Emerging from collaborative conversations with local custodians, this exhibition emphasises the importance of listening to Elders and respecting Indigenous ecological knowledge. The artworks are more than creative expressions; they are acts of cultural revitalisation, honouring stories that have sustained these lands for millennia.
GROUNDED invites us to deepen our connection to nature, recognise the resilience of First Nations communities, and explore how we can contribute to a sustainable and harmonious future.
WHAT’S ON:
Thursday 10 October:
- 3-6pm | Weaving with the Healing Hub in The Quad
- 5pm | Exhibition Opening with Welcome to Country from Aunty Thelma and Cultural Dance.
- 11- 1pm | 'Nature Photography Workshop' with Karenza Ebejer and Dr Jenny Fraser
A creative workshop for young women between the ages of 14-18 years to explore native bush foods and plants in the local area.
BOOK HERE
- 3-6pm | Weaving with the Healing Hub in The Quad
- 11-1pm | 'Jeticaco Art Workshop' with Aunty Jenny Smith
Come along to an all-ages session of creativity, where we can explore nature through the use of water colours, on paper.
BOOK HERE
- 2-4pm | 'Grounded Movement' with Mitch King
Immerse yourself in a workshop that will look at how we can acknowledge the beauty and power of nature while also becoming more grounded through our own movement and mindfulness.
BOOK HERE
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Mitch King
Mitch King is a performing artist, creative producer, and a proud Yaegl & Widjabul Wia-bul man from the Bundjalung nation on the east coast of Australia. His main disciplines are music, theatre, and dance - he loves telling stories through sound, movement, and film.
Mitch’s work relates to living on country and what it's like to live in the regional area of Northern Rivers, New South Wales. He combines cultural and contemporary practices to push his own creative boundaries in order to make space for First Nations communities’ voices and artistry.
“I want to make it more accessible for the mob from jarjums (kids) to elders to feel like they can come to a performance, exhibition and event to see and hear their own stories given life and meaning on the big stage”.
Mitch also teaches dance/movement and songwriting workshops around the region and has a background in youth work. He collaborates with young people on community events and programs that are aimed at showcasing the young people's talents and their voice.
Karenza Ebejer
Karenza is a socially engaged artist, group facilitator and digital storyteller based in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Her work involves video, installation, sound, photography, and projection. Themes explored include relationships with nature, identity, and connection to place and is inspired by the art of collaborative storytelling. She works in partnership with a range of creatives in producing media within Indigenous, arts, youth, and disability communities. Some of her award-winning documentary film work has been shown on a variety of platforms including television, film festivals and galleries. She recently completed a residency on socially engaged art practice called the CASE incubator with the CAD Factory based in Sydney and is currently on residency with the Converge artist studio in Lismore.
This program has been made possible by the support of Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal, Southern Cross University and Namabunda Farm.
